Lake Como Rambling - Lakeland Walking Holiday in Northern Italy with Sherpa Expeditions

Lake Como Rambling - Lakeland Walking Holiday in Northern Italy with Sherpa Expeditions

Lake Como is a gorgeous blue ribbon of postglacial lake stretching for 50km squeezed within the constraints of its surrounding mountains. The southern end forks into two long 'legs', with the picturesque town of Bellagio situated on the promontory between them. Visitors have been coming to the area for over 2000 years and for good reason: the accessible alpine beauty. The best way to experience the region is to combine walking the trails and using the ferries to access many of the chic and charming villages.

Visit the Sherpa Expeditions Website for more details

From our first hotel perched high above the city of Como the walking programme commences with a ridge walk high above the lake with sweeping views to both sides followed by a descent to the shore of Lake Como at Torno. A short boat ride gets you to Como to visit the historic town centre and stroll along the lake to soak up the tranquil old world atmosphere. Como is renowned for its Romanesque churches, its wonderful cathedral, medieval town walls and impressive villas. From Brunate, travel by cablecar, boat and taxi to the charming village of Breglia. Fill the day with a short walk to Madonna di Breglia, a 'church with a view'. From Breglia a circular walk to a mountain hut provides spectacular views across Lake Como. A short extension to this walk brings you to 'Pizza Coppa' for views as far as Lake Lugano in Switzerland and dedicated walkers can make the summit of Monte Grona (alt. 1736 m.).

Moving on by boat arrive in the charming village of Varenna, deemed 'Italy's most romantic village', (quite a claim). Varenna has inspirational views of the lake and the distant mountains, brightly painted houses adorned with flower-filled balconies, a bustling waterfront and a maze of meandering cobblestone streets. An afternoon visit from Varenna to the small village of Bellano provides a short walk into the canyon of the River Pioverna. From Varenna you can also complete a walk on the northern stretch of the 'Sentiero del Viandante', a relatively easy lakeside path from Dervio or Bellano back to Varenna. Views over the lake from this path are marvellous as you walk through a terraced landscape and visit the abbey of Piona, a most intriguing place. Varenna is a good place to embark on a day's boat tour of the lake. There are several places you could visit or start a walk, including the splendid Villa Carlotta, with its beautiful gardens, and Bellagio, ''the pearl of the lake''. Recommended is an incredibly scenic walk through the delightful countryside, passing the fishing village of Pescallo, climbing to the charming hamlet of Visgnola, then descending to the lakeshore and the wonderful gardens of Villa Melzi.

Inn to Inn 8 days
Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
Tour Code: JCO
Grade: Moderate
Day Stages: Min 5 km, max 17 km

There are some different options for extending or shortening days and increasing the level of difficulty to include some longer sections up or downhill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. Most of the trails are well maintained.

SELF-GUIDED Dates 2009
February - November (not during 21-25 April, 5-8 May and 1-14 September due to large conferences in this area).

ESCORTED Dates 2009
Group Size: Min 6, max 15, plus trek leader
EJCO27 Sat 27 Jun - Sat 4 Jul
EJCO19 Sat 19 Sep - Sat 26 Sep

Accommodation
7 nights/8 days - The first two nights are spent at Brunate, just above Como. This recently renovated, welcoming and comfortable 3* hotel has spectacular views of the lake. The third and fourth nights are spent in a comfortable 2* (deserves at least one more star) hotel in the small hamlet of Breglia, high above the lake, in the mountains above Menaggio. The last three nights are spent in a very good 3* hotel in the wonderful little village of Varenna, the 'most romantic village of Italy'. Some people say that Varenna is even more beautiful than Bellagio. Halfway up the Eastern shore this town is a cool spot in the heat of summer with overhanging trees and foliage. Almost devoid of the usual tourist offerings, it does have waterside cafes, with the town located up steep and narrow alleys.

Note: Clients have to carry their own luggage when travellng between hotels by ferry and on the cablecar to Brunate.

Sherpa Notes

Accommodation & Meals
2 and 3* hotels in attractive locations, bed and breakfast on 4 nights, dinner on 2 nights are included.

Way Marks
Only a part of the route is waymarked; elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps.

Visit the Sherpa Expeditions Website for more details